Serving Up Delicious Dishes at Woodleigh Chase

When Maureen Noonan-Moore moved to Woodleigh Chase, the Erickson Senior Living community in Fairfax, Va., she was excited to enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals in a variety of unique restaurants. 

And she hasn't been disappointed.

"The meals are delicious and the menus have a good variety," says Maureen. "It's nice to try new things I wouldn't necessarily cook at home. One of my favorites is the bacon- wrapped tenderloin."

Thanks to Woodleigh Chase's Signature Dining program, which emphasizes high-quality, cooked-to-order dishes, Maureen and her neighbors savor meals made with the finest ingredients. And with more than 125 Erickson Senior Living executive chefs nationwide, the culinary teams regularly update menus with new selections and popular features.

"We are thrilled to have a talented culinary team who come up with amazing menus for our dining venues. Each menu is centered on the seasons to make sure we have the best quality produce," says Michelle Aylor, director of Dining Services at Woodleigh Chase. 

Working together

Woodleigh Chase boasts three distinct on-site restaurants, each providing a unique atmosphere and menu. An executive chef oversees the culinary program, and a chef de cuisine oversees each kitchen. A team of cooks, kitchen staff, and servers provides support. 

The full-service Providence restaurant features favorites like filet mignon, crab cakes, pad Thai, pistachio-crusted salmon, chicken piccata, and a Sunday brunch. 

The Cardinal Cafe is a casual lunch and dinner spot with al fresco dining during warmer months. It offers a variety of choices including flatbread pizzas, grain bowls, sandwiches, and wraps, plus some fun specials like Taco Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays. 

The expansive bar is an attraction of the Blue Jay Pub, which features an exciting drink menu with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer, as well as snacks and shareables. The pub also serves a continental breakfast with coffee bar. 

Quality and variety

A choice meal program allows residents to choose when, where, and how they dine. Whether treating their family and friends to dinner or dining at their favorite restaurant every day, options are available to suit different lifestyles. 

"I have had my brother and his girlfriend over several times for dinner," says Maureen. "They are both foodies, and they were both impressed with the breadth of the menu that was available and the taste and presentation of the food."

Aylor notes that you can expect the same fresh, cooked-to-order food and excellent service at all Woodleigh Chase restaurants as you would dining anywhere in the Fairfax area.

"We strive to provide the quality dining that you would experience anywhere else you might go to eat," says Aylor. "We work hard to ensure that every resident's experience is an excellent one." 

Woodleigh Chase's Dining Services team also creates menu items and hosts special events that suit regional tastes, local specialties, and religious observances. Themed dinners and special events add to the variety.

"In the short time we have been open, we have held a Juneteenth cookout, Pride happy hour, a kabob special during Ramadan, and a brisket during Passover," says Aylor. 

Healthy options

Those with dietary needs will appreciate the My Erickson app, which outlines the ingredients, calories, and fat content of every meal served at the community's restaurants. 

You can also search for foods according to various specialty options, including allergens such as milk, wheat, shellfish, or nuts, as well as diabetic, heart-smart, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections. 

"We strive to offer healthy options on all of our menus," says Aylor. "For example, the Providence restaurant features a vegetarian section and 'healthy choices' options--items with under 460 milligrams of sodium, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 10 grams of added sugar."

Time to socialize 

Maureen notes that, in addition to savoring a delectable meal, the community's restaurants are the perfect place to catch up with friends and neighbors. 

"When I go to dinner, I always request to sit at a table with others. I get to meet new people and get reacquainted with others I have met before. It's a very welcoming and accepting environment. It really makes for a pleasant dining experience," says Maureen. 

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.